Bell-Grabbing Is a Tradition

The date for the public referendum was set for October 1st, a month and a half later.

That day would also be the day the Land of Ninja officially announced its founding to the outside world.

Late August.

Minato, the deputy commander of Konoha Province's military, finally had time to meet his three students.

"I'm Kakashi Hatake. I don't particularly like anything, nor do I particularly dislike anything..."

Beneath Kakashi's trademark dead-fish eyes was his equally trademark black mask that covered even his collar.

"My dream is to become a ninja stronger than my father."

Sakumo, who served in the combat forces alongside Minato, held the same rank of deputy commander.

"Keep it up, Kakashi."

Obito, looking thoroughly displeased, stepped forward and shoved his rival aside.

"I'm Obito Uchiha. There are two people I hate the most..."

He glanced at Rin, who had just encouraged one of them, then lowered his head shyly.

"The person I like is a very gentle and kind girl..."

"As for my dream..." He looked at her somewhat dazed expression. "I will definitely become Hokage!"

From this one-to-one recreation of Konoha's large training ground, Minato looked toward the distant Hokage Rock, projected with perfect accuracy.

Aside from the very center, which replicated Konoha of the Land of Fire, the rest of Konoha Province was filled with towering skyscrapers of reinforced concrete.

"Keep it up, Obito!"

With Rin treating them equally, Obito immediately flashed a dashing smile.

As he brushed past her shoulder, he deliberately adjusted the angle of the goggles on his forehead.

"I'm Nohara Rin. There are lots and lots of things I like..."

"At the top of the list is making more and more friends."

Her dream, like Kakashi's and Obito's, had not changed in five years.

"Keep it up, Rin. The world